Texas Man Killed In Fiery Single-Vehicle Claiborne Parish Crash

Arcadia – This morning, at approximately 4:45 a.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to a single-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 518 near Hoodtown Road. The crash claimed the life of 62-year-old Leonard Melton of Troup, Texas.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2019 Ford F-150, driven by Melton, was traveling east on Louisiana Highway 518. For reasons still under investigation, Melton’s vehicle exited the roadway, collided with an embankment, and overturned. Following the crash, the Ford caught fire and became engulfed in flames.

Melton, whose restraint use is unknown at the time of the crash, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Impairment is not suspected; however, toxicology samples were collected and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

While the cause of this crash remains under investigation, Louisiana State Police urges drivers to obey all traffic laws and remain alert while driving. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions such as these can often mean the difference between life and death.

Contact Information:
Trooper Eddie Thomas
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section-Troop G
Office: (318) 741-7411
[email protected]